Limits of stability and falls during a multicomponent exercise program in faller older adults: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND/OBJETIVES: Multicomponent exercise programs have been demonstrated to prevent falls in older adults. However, the underlying responsible mechanisms are not clear. We aimed to analyze the association between changes in the limits of stability (LOS) as a relevant balance component, and falls occurrence during a multicomponent physical exercise program. METHODS: Retrospective study, including ninety-one participants who had experienced a fall in the previous year, and were attended in a falls unit. All of them were included in a twice-a-week multicomponent exercise program during 16 weeks. Pre- and post-program measurements were collected for leg press, gait speed, the short physical performance battery (SPPB), and LOS (point of excursion [POE] and maximal excursion [MEX]) with posturography. Falls occurrence was assessed between the beginning and the completion of the exercise program (16 week). RESULTS: The mean age was 77.2 years, and 72 were female. Thirty-two participants fell at least once during the exercise period. The global baseline POE was 47.6 %, and the MEX was 64.7 %, and there were no differences between fallers and nonfallers. Nonfallers presented greater improvements in POE (6.3 % versus 1.3 %; p < .05) and MEX (9.2 % versus 3.0 %; p < .01) than fallers. The POE and MEX were independently associated with a reduced probability of having had a fall, OR: 0.95 (95 % CI: 0.91 to 0.99) and 0.94 (95 % CI: 0.90 to 0.99), respectively. Changes in SPPB results or leg press strength were not associated with decreased falls. Adjusted probability of fall occurrence decreased by 5 % and 6 % per 1 % improvement in absolute values in POE and MEX, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in LOS after a multicomponent physical exercise program in older adults with previous falls may be associated with a decreased occurrence of falls.

Frailty, depression risk and 10-year hospitalization in older adults. The FRADEA study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the interaction between frailty status and depression risk is associated with hospitalization density in older adults. METHODS: Ongoing cohort study in 794 subjects aged over 70 years from Albacete (Spain). Data were collected on depression risk, frailty, hospitalizations, and covariates. Participants were categorized into six groups. RESULTS: Adjusted hospitalization risk was higher for groups of prefrail/-non depression risk (HR 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.89), prefrail/depression risk (HR 1.73; 95% CI 1.29-2.30), frail/non depression risk (HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.22-2.62), and frail/depression risk (HR 2.12; 95% CI 1.49-3.02), compared with robust/non depression risk group (p<0.01). Frail and prefrail groups presented increased hospitalization density in the first four follow-up years. CONCLUSIONS: Depression risk changes the yearly probabilities of hospitalization in prefrail and frail groups, increasing them in the first years. Depression risk should be monitored in prefrail and frail older adults as an independent risk factor for hospitalization.

Psychological and Functional Impact of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities: The COVID-A Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the psychological and functional sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults living in long term care facilities (LTCFs). DESIGN: Cohort longitudinal study SETTING ANT PARTICIPANTS: A total of 215 residents ≥ 65 years without moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment, living in five LTCFs in Albacete (Spain). MEASUREMENTS: Baseline on-site data were collected between March - June 2020 and three-month follow-up between June to September 2020. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disturbances were measured as psychological variables. Disability in basic activities of daily living (BADL), ambulation and frailty were assessed as functional variables. Differences were analyzed in relation to level of comorbidity and test positivity for COVID-19. RESULTS: At baseline, residents with COVID-19 presented worse functionality, higher frailty levels and malnutrition risk compared to non-COVID-19 residents. At three-month follow-up, higher rates of clinically significant depressive symptoms (57.7%), anxiety symptoms (29.3%), PTSD symptoms (19.1%) and sleep disturbances (93.0%) were found among residents regardless of COVID status. Thus, among 215 residents, 101 (47%) experienced a decline in BADL from baseline to the 3-month follow-up (median functional loss = 5 points in Barthel Index). In multivariate analyses, COVID-19 status did not explain either the functional or the ambulation loss. By contrast, residents with low comorbidity and COVID-19 presented higher PTSD symptoms (effect 2.58; 95% CI 0.93 to 4.23) and anxiety symptoms (effect 2.10; 95% CI 0.48 to 3.73) compared to the low comorbidity/non-COVID19 group. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic was associated, after three-months, with high psychological impact in older adults in LTCFs., specifically with higher post-traumatic stress and anxiety symptoms. Functional decline did not differ in relation to COVID-19 status but could be related to isolation strategies used for pandemic control.

Immunogenicity after 6 months of BNT162b2 vaccination in frail or disabled nursing home residents: The COVID-A Study.

BACKGROUND: There is incomplete information regarding evolution of antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 after a two-dose strategy vaccination with BNT162b2 in older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) with frailty, disability, or cognitive impairment. We aimed to determine IgG antibody titer loss in older adults in LTCFs. METHODS: This is a multicenter longitudinal cohort study including 127 residents (90 females and 37 males) with a mean age of 82.7 years (range 65-99) with different frailty and disability profiles in two LTCFs in Albacete, Spain. Residents received two doses of BNT162b2 as per label, and antibody levels were determined 1 and 6 months after the second dose. Age, sex, previous history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), comorbidity (Charlson Index), performance in activities of daily living (Barthel Index), frailty (FRAIL instrument), and cognitive status were assessed. RESULTS: The mean antibody titers 1 and 6 months after the second vaccine dose were 32,145 AU/ml (SD 41,206) and 6182 AU/ml (SD 13,316), respectively. Across all participants, the median antibody titer loss measured 77.6% (interquartile range [IQR] 23.8%). Notably, the decline of titers in individuals with pre-vaccination COVID-19 infection was significantly lower than in those without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (72.2% vs. 85.3%; p < 0.001). The median titer decrease per follow-up day was 0.47% (IQR 0.14%) and only pre-vaccination COVID-19 was associated with lower rate of antibody decline at 6 months (hazard ratio 0.17; 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.41; p < 0.001). Frailty, disability, older age, cognitive impairment, or comorbidity were not associated with the extent of antibody loss. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults in LTCFs experience a rapid loss of antibodies over the first 6 months after the second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine. Only pre-vaccination COVID-19 is associated with a slower rate of antibody decrease. Our data support immunization with a third dose in this vulnerable, high-risk population.

Baricitinib reduces 30-day mortality in older adults with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Older adults are at the highest risk of severe disease and death due to COVID-19. Randomized data have shown that baricitinib improves outcomes in these patients, but focused stratified analyses of geriatric cohorts are lacking. Our objective was to analyze the efficacy of baricitinib in older adults with COVID-19 moderate-to-severe pneumonia. METHODS: This is a propensity score [PS]-matched retrospective cohort study. Patients from the COVID-AGE and Alba-Score cohorts, hospitalized for moderate-to-severe COVID-19 pneumonia, were categorized in two age brackets of age <70 years old (86 with baricitinib and 86 PS-matched controls) or ≥70 years old (78 on baricitinib and 78 PS-matched controls). Thirty-day mortality rates were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: Mean age was 79.1 for those ≥70 years and 58.9 for those <70. Exactly 29.6% were female. Treatment with baricitinib resulted in a significant reduction in death from any cause by 48% in patients aged 70 or older, an 18.5% reduction in 30-day absolute mortality risk (n/N: 16/78 [20.5%] baricitinib, 30/78 [38.5%] in PS-matched controls, p < 0.001) and a lower 30-day adjusted fatality rate (HR 0.21; 95% CI 0.09-0.47; p < 0.001). Beneficial effects on mortality were also observed in the age group <70 (8.1% reduction in 30-day absolute mortality risk; HR 0.14; 95% CI 0.03-0.64; p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Baricitinib is associated with an absolute mortality risk reduction of 18.5% in adults older than 70 years hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia.

[Anemia and frailty in older adults from Spain. The FRADEA Study]. / Anemia y fragilidad en ancianos españoles. Estudio FRADEA.

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to examine the prevalence of anemia according to the state of frailty and to analyze the relationship between anemia, hemoglobin concentration and frailty in a cohort of Spanish older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional substudy of the FRADEA (Frailty and Dependency in Albacete) cohort, a population-based concurrent cohort study conducted in people older than 69 years of Albacete (Spain). Of the 993 participants included in the first wave, 790 were selected with valid data on anemia and frailty. Anemia was defined according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (hemoglobin less than 13 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in women). Frailty was assessed using the Fried's phenotype. The association between anemia, hemoglobin concentration and frailty was determined by binary logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, educational level, institutionalization, comorbidity, cognitive status, body mass index, polypharmacy, creatinine, glucose and total white blood cell count. RESULTS: The mean age was 79 years. The prevalence of anemia was 19.6%. The prevalence of anemia was significantly higher in frail subjects (29.6%) compared to prefrail (16.6%) and robust ones (6%), p<0.001. The average hemoglobin concentrations were significantly lower in frail (12.7 g/dL), compared to the prefrail (13.5 g/dL) and robust participants (14.4 g/dL), p < 0.001. In the fully adjusted regression model, anemia was associated with frailty (OR 1.95; 95% CI: 1.02-3.73, p<0.05), and similarly, the average hemoglobin concentrations showed a significant association with frailty (OR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.66-0.96, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Anemia in older adults, defined according to WHO criteria, is independently associated with frailty.

Immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 vaccine in frail or disabled nursing home residents: COVID-A study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The safety and immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine in older adults with different frailty and disability profiles have not been well determined. Our objective was to analyze immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in older adults across frailty and disability profiles. DESIGN: Multicenter longitudinal cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 134 residents aged ≥65 years with different frailty and disability profiles in five long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Albacete, Spain. INTERVENTION AND MEASUREMENTS: Residents were administered two vaccine doses as per the label, and antibody levels were determined 21.9 days (SD 9.3) after both the first and second dose. Functional variables were assessed using activities of daily living (Barthel Index), and frailty status was determined with the FRAIL instrument. Cognitive status and comorbidity were also evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 82.9 years (range 65-99), and 71.6% were female. The mean antibody titers in residents with and without previous COVID-19 infection were 49,878 AU/ml and 15,274 AU/ml, respectively (mean difference 34,604; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 27,699-41,509). No severe adverse reactions were observed, after either vaccine dose. Those with prevaccination COVID-19 had an increased antibody level after the vaccine (B = 31,337; 95% CI: 22,725-39,950; p < 0.001). Frailty, disability, older age, sex, cognitive impairment, or comorbidities were not associated with different antibody titers. CONCLUSIONS: The BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in older adults is safe and produces immunogenicity, independently of the frailty and disability profiles. Older adults in LTCFs should receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Functional Continuum Scale in Relation to Hospitalization Density in Older Adults: The FRADEA Study.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to know the relationship between function and hospitalization risk in older adults. We aimed at investigating whether the Functional Continuum Scale (FCS), based on basic (BADL) and instrumental (IADL) activities of daily living and frailty, is associated with hospitalization density in older adults across 12 years of follow-up. METHODS: Cohort study, with a follow-up of 12 years. A total of 915 participants aged 70 years and older from the Frailty and Dependence in Albacete (FRADEA) study, a population-based study in Spain, were included. At baseline, the FCS, sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity, number of medications, and place of residence were assessed. Associations with first hospitalization, number of hospitalizations, and 12-year density of hospitalizations were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves, Poisson regression analyses, and density models. RESULTS: The median time until the first hospitalization was shorter toward the less functionally independent end of the FCS, from 3917 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 3701-3995) to 1056 days (95% CI 785-1645) (p < .001). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for all hospitalizations increased from the robust category until the frail one (IRR 1.89), and thereafter it decreased until the worse functional category. Those who were BADL dependent presented an increased hospitalization density in the first 4 follow-up years (58%), those who were frail in the third-to-sixth follow-up years (55%), while in those prefrail or robust the hospitalization density was homogeneous during the complete follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The FCS is useful for stratifying the risk of hospitalization and for predicting the density of hospitalizations in older adults.

Frailty, depression risk, and 10-year mortality in older adults: the FRADEA study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate if depression risk modifies the association between frailty and mortality in older adults. DESIGN: Ongoing cohort study. SETTING: Albacete city, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred subjects, 58.8% women, over 70 years of age from the Frailty and Dependence in Albacete (FRADEA) study. MEASUREMENTS: Frailty phenotype, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), comorbidity, disability, and drug use were collected at baseline. Six groups were categorized: (G1: non-frail/no depression risk; G2: non-frail/depression risk; G3: prefrail/no depression risk; G4: prefrail/depression risk; G5: frail/no depression risk; and G6: frail/depression risk). Mean follow-up was 2542 days (SD 1006). GDS was also analyzed as a continuous variable. The association between frailty and depression risk with 10-year mortality was analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age was 78.5 years. Non-frail was 24.5%, prefrail 56.3%, frail 19.3%, and 33.5% at depression risk. Mean GDS score was 3.7 (SD 3.2), increasing with the number of frailty criteria (p < 0.001). Ten-year mortality rate was 44.9%. Mortality was 21.4% for the non-frail, 45.6% for the prefrail, and 72.7% for the frail participants, 56% for those with depression risk, and 39.3% for those without depression risk. Mean survival times for groups G1 to G6 were, respectively, 3390, 3437, 2897, 2554, 1887, and 1931 days. Adjusted mortality risk was higher for groups G3 (HR 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-3.1), G4 (HR 2.5; 95% CI 1.7-3.8), G5 (HR 3.8; 95% CI 2.4-6.1), and G6 (HR 4.0; 95% CI 2.6-6.2), compared with G1 (p < 0.001). Interaction was found between frailty and depression risk, although they were independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Depression risk increases mortality risk in prefrail older adults but not in non-frail and frail ones. Depression should be monitored in these older adults to optimize health outcomes. Factors modulating the relationship between frailty and depression should be explored in future studies.

JAK inhibition reduces SARS-CoV-2 liver infectivity and modulates inflammatory responses to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Using AI, we identified baricitinib as having antiviral and anticytokine efficacy. We now show a 71% (95% CI 0.15 to 0.58) mortality benefit in 83 patients with moderate-severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with few drug-induced adverse events, including a large elderly cohort (median age, 81 years). An additional 48 cases with mild-moderate pneumonia recovered uneventfully. Using organotypic 3D cultures of primary human liver cells, we demonstrate that interferon-α2 increases ACE2 expression and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in parenchymal cells by greater than fivefold. RNA-seq reveals gene response signatures associated with platelet activation, fully inhibited by baricitinib. Using viral load quantifications and superresolution microscopy, we found that baricitinib exerts activity rapidly through the inhibition of host proteins (numb-associated kinases), uniquely among antivirals. This reveals mechanistic actions of a Janus kinase-1/2 inhibitor targeting viral entry, replication, and the cytokine storm and is associated with beneficial outcomes including in severely ill elderly patients, data that incentivize further randomized controlled trials.

COVID-19 outbreak in long-term care facilities from Spain. Many lessons to learn.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To analyze mortality, costs, residents and personnel characteristics, in six long-term care facilities (LTCF) during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Spain. DESIGN: Epidemiological study. SETTING: Six open LTCFs in Albacete (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: 198 residents and 190 workers from LTCF A were included, between 2020 March 6 and April 5. Epidemiological data were also collected from six LTCFs of Albacete for the same period of time, including 1,084 residents. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline demographic, clinical, functional, cognitive and nutritional variables were collected. 1-month and 3-month mortality was determined, excess mortality was calculated, and costs associated with the pandemics were analyzed. RESULTS: The pooled mortality rate for the first month and first three months of the outbreak were 15.3% and 28.0%, and the pooled excess mortality for these periods were 564% and 315% respectively. In facility A, the percentage of probable COVID-19 infected residents were 33.6%. Probable infected patients were older, frail, and with a worse functional situation than those without COVID-19. The most common symptoms were fever, cough and dyspnea. 25 residents were transferred to the emergency department, 21 were hospitalized, and 54 were moved to the facility medical unit. Mortality was higher upon male older residents, with worse functionality, and higher comorbidity. During the first month of the outbreak, 65 (24.6%) workers leaved, mainly with COVID-19 symptoms, and 69 new workers were contracted. The mean number of days of leave was 19.2. Costs associated with the COVID-19 in facility A were estimated at € 276,281/month, mostly caused by resident hospitalizations, leaves of workers, staff replacement, and interventions of healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic posed residents at high mortality risk, mainly in those older, frail and with worse functional status. Personal and economic costs were high.

La anemia aumenta el riesgo de mortalidad debido a fragilidad y discapacidad en mayores: Estudio FRADEA / Anemia increases mortality risk associated with frailty or disability in older adults. The FRADEA Study

OBJETIVO: Analizar si la presencia de anemia incrementa el riesgo de mortalidad a largo plazo asociado al estado de fragilidad y discapacidad en adultos mayores. DISEÑO: Subestudio de la cohorte concurrente de base poblacional FRADEA (Fragilidad y Dependencia en Albacete), con 10 años de seguimiento (2007-2017), en mayores de 69 años. EMPLAZAMIENTO: Albacete capital, España. PARTICIPANTES: De los 993 participantes incluidos en la primera oleada se seleccionaron 790 sujetos con datos válidos de función (fragilidad y discapacidad), anemia y estado vital a los 10 años. MEDICIONES PRINCIPALES: La anemia se definió según los criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (hemoglobina < 13 g/dl en hombres y < 12 g/dl en mujeres). Se creó la variable «clasificación funcional» incluyendo fragilidad y discapacidad, e identificando cuatro niveles progresivos: robusto, prefrágil, frágil y con discapacidad en actividades básicas de la vida diaria, empleando el fenotipo de fragilidad e índice de Barthel, respectivamente. Se construyó una nueva variable de ocho categorías combinando las cuatro funcionales con la presencia o ausencia de anemia. La asociación con mortalidad se determinó mediante Kaplan-Meier y análisis de riesgos proporcionales de Cox ajustado por edad, sexo, comorbilidad, polifarmacia, institucionalización y creatinina. RESULTADOS: Edad media 79 años, siendo el 59,6% mujeres. Un total de 393 participantes (49,7%) fallecieron durante el periodo de seguimiento. La mediana de supervivencia fue de 98,4 meses (rango intercuartil 61). El riesgo de mortalidad aumentó desde los niveles con mejor clasificación funcional hasta aquellos con peor, y para cada subgrupo fue mayor en los participantes con anemia. Prefrágiles sin anemia hazard ratio (HR): 1,59, I C95%: 1,07-2,36, y con anemia HR: 2,37, IC 95%: 1,38-4,05. Frágiles sin anemia HR: 3,18, IC 95%: 1,68-6,02, y con anemia HR: 4,42, IC 95%: 1,99-9,84. Discapacitados sin anemia HR: 3,81, IC 95%: 2,45-5,84, y con anemia HR: 5,48, IC 95%: 3,43-8,76. CONCLUSIÓN: La anemia incrementa el riesgo de mortalidad asociado a la fragilidad y discapacidad en adultos mayores

OBJECTIVE: To analyze if anemia increases 10-year mortality risk associated to frailty and disability in older adults. DESIGN: Substudy of the FRADEA population-based concurrent cohort study (Frailty and dependence in Albacete), with a 10-year follow-up (2007-2017) in people older than 69 years. SETTING: Albacete city, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 993 participants included in the first wave, 790 were selected with valid data on function (frailty and disability), anemia and vital status at 10 years. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Anemia was defined according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (hemoglobin < 13 g/dL in men and < 12 g/dL in women). A functional classification variable was created, including frailty and disability, identifying four progressive functional levels: robust, prefrail, frail and disabled in basic activities of daily life, using frailty phenotype and Barthel index respectively. A new eight categories variable was constructed combining the four functional groups with the presence or absence of anemia. The association with mortality was determined by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, polypharmacy, institutionalization and creatinine. RESULTS: Mean age was 79years and 59.6% were women. 393 participants (49.7%) died during the follow-up period. The median survival was 98.4months (interquartile range 61). The risk of mortality increased from the levels with better functionality to those with worse functionality, and for each subgroup it was higher in the participants with anemia. Prefrail without anemia HR [hazard ratio] 1.59 (95% CI 1.07-2.36) and with anemia HR 2.37 (95% CI 1.38-4.05). Frail without anemia HR 3.18 (95% CI 1.68-6.02) and with anemia HR 4.42 (95% CI 1.99-9.84). Disabled without anemia HR 3.81 (95%CI 2.45-5.84) and with anemia HR 5.48 (95% CI 3.43-8.76). CONCLUSION: Anemia increases the risk of mortality associated with frailty and disability in older adults

[Anemia increases mortality risk associated with frailty or disability in older adults. The FRADEA Study]. / La anemia aumenta el riesgo de mortalidad debido a fragilidad y discapacidad en mayores: Estudio FRADEA.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze if anemia increases 10-year mortality risk associated to frailty and disability in older adults. DESIGN: Substudy of the FRADEA population-based concurrent cohort study (Frailty and dependence in Albacete), with a 10-year follow-up (2007-2017) in people older than 69years. SETTING: Albacete city, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 993 participants included in the first wave, 790 were selected with valid data on function (frailty and disability), anemia and vital status at 10years. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Anemia was defined according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (hemoglobin <13g/dL in men and <12g/dL in women). A functional classification variable was created, including frailty and disability, identifying four progressive functional levels: robust, prefrail, frail and disabled in basic activities of daily life, using frailty phenotype and Barthel index respectively. A new eight categories variable was constructed combining the four functional groups with the presence or absence of anemia. The association with mortality was determined by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, polypharmacy, institutionalization and creatinine. RESULTS: Mean age was 79years and 59.6% were women. 393 participants (49.7%) died during the follow-up period. The median survival was 98.4months (interquartile range 61). The risk of mortality increased from the levels with better functionality to those with worse functionality, and for each subgroup it was higher in the participants with anemia. Prefrail without anemia HR [hazard ratio] 1.59 (95%CI 1.07-2.36) and with anemia HR 2.37 (95%CI 1.38-4.05). Frail without anemia HR 3.18 (95%CI 1.68-6.02) and with anemia HR 4.42 (95%CI 1.99-9.84). Disabled without anemia HR 3.81 (95%CI 2.45-5.84) and with anemia HR 5.48 (95%CI 3.43-8.76). CONCLUSION: Anemia increases the risk of mortality associated with frailty and disability in older adults.

Potential early biomarkers of sarcopenia among independent older adults.

OBJECTIVES: There are no tools or biomarkers for a quantitative analysis of sarcopenia. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of the diagnosis of sarcopenia in 200 independent adults aged 70 years or over. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sarcopenia was defined as loss of muscle mass together with low strength and/or loss of physical performance. We considered different clinical parameters and assayed potential blood biomarkers (cell energetic metabolism, muscle performance, inflammation, infection and oxidative stress). RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 35.3% in women and 13.1% in men, and it was significantly associated with advanced age, a low functional performance in the lower extremities, deficient weekly consumption of kilocalories, risk of malnutrition, and drug use for the digestive system. A close relationship was found between sarcopenia, pre-frailty and depressed mood. With these confounding variables, we observed that products of lipid peroxidation were closely associated with sarcopenia in independent older adults (frail participants and those with severe dependence had been excluded from the sample). The best multivariate model proposed was able to predict 67.6% of the variance in sarcopenia, with a power of discrimination of 93.5%. Additional analyses considering lipid levels, fat mass, dyslipidemia, use of lipid-lowering drugs and hypertension confirmed this close association between lipid peroxidation and sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Given the difficulty in the diagnosis of sarcopenia in clinical practice, we suggest the use of blood circulating products of lipid peroxidation as potential biomarkers for an early diagnosis of sarcopenia in independent older adults.

Associations of the antioxidant capacity and hemoglobin levels with functional physical performance of the upper and lower body limbs.

Herein we considered the role of oxidative stress on deficiencies of functional physical performance that could affect a future pre-frailty condition. Using principal component analyses (PCA), we created new variables to better describe the functionality regarding the physical performance of the upper and lower body limbs. Gait speed and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score were classified by PCA to describe functional performance of the lower body limbs. Variables describing the general physical status, including weekly consumption of kilocalories and the musculoskeletal index, were classified together with grip strength of the dominant hand as indicators of functional performance of the upper body limbs. An intimate association between the functional physical performance of the upper body limbs and the total antioxidant capacity was observed in older subjects. Low levels of total antioxidant capacity were found in women 76 years or younger with deficiencies in the physical performance of both upper and lower body limbs. Similarly, we observed a close association between the functional physical performance of the lower body limbs and the levels of hemoglobin. In particular, low levels of hemoglobin were mostly found in men older than 76 years of age, showing impaired functional physical performance. In addition, the physical performance of the lower body limbs was shown to be more important than that of the upper body limbs in the statistical association with pre-frailty in the elderly. Therefore, specific low levels of hemoglobin and deficient oxidative defense in the elderly could significantly affect the functional physical performance and future outcomes of pre-frailty.

Valores normativos de instrumentos de valoración funcional en ancianos españoles: estudio FRADEA / Normal data of functional assessment tools of the elderly in Spain: The FRADEA Study

Objetivo: Determinar los valores normativos de algunos de los diferentes instrumentos de valoración funcional más usados en España. Diseño: Estudio transversal del primer corte de una cohorte concurrente de base poblacional. Emplazamiento: Área de salud de Albacete capital. Participantes: 993 sujetos con edad igual o mayor a 70 años participantes en la cohorte FRADEA. Mediciones principales: Se recogieron cuestionarios de discapacidad y función, Barthel, Lawton e Instrumento Abreviado de Discapacidad y Función en la Edad Avanzada (SF-LLFDI), escala de deambulación de Holden (FAC), y pruebas de ejecución: velocidad de marcha (m/s), levántese y ande cronometrado (TUG) (s), tiempo de equilibrio unipodal (s), sentarse y levantarse 5 veces de una silla cronometrado (5STS) (s), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), fuerza prensora (kg), y fuerza flexora codo (kg). Se describen medias, cuartiles y percentiles en la cohorte global, y en los subgrupos de hombres y mujeres con edad entre 70 y 79 o igual o mayor a 80 años. Resultados: Los cuartiles de los diferentes instrumentos fueron respectivamente Barthel (80, 95, 100), Lawton (3, 6, 8), SF-LLFDI (70, 111, 131), FAC (4, 5, 5), velocidad de marcha (0,51, 0,79, 1,00), TUG (13,8, 11,4, 9,8), tiempo de equilibrio unipodal (3, 7, 15), 5STS (16,3, 13,0, 10,7), SPPB (7, 9, 11), fuerza prensora (15, 20, 29), y fuerza flexora de codo (11, 20, 32). Los más jóvenes, los hombres y los residentes en la comunidad, presentaron mejores rendimientos en todos los instrumentos. Conclusiones: Se presentan los valores normativos de diferentes instrumentos de valoración funcional de una cohorte de ancianos de Albacete de base poblacional. Éstos pueden ser útiles para su empleo en clínica o en investigación(AU)

Objective: To determine the normal values of some of the functional assessment tools most used in Spain. Design: Cross-sectional study of the first cut of a concurrent population based cohort. Setting: Albacete city Health Area. Participants: A total of 993 subjects aged 70 years or over and participants in the FRADEA (Frailty and dependence in Albacete, Spain) cohort. Main measurements: An analysis was made of disability and function questionnaires, which included, Barthel, Lawton and Short Form of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (SF-LLFDI), Holden's Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and functional tests: walking speed (m/s), Timed Up and Go (TUG) (sec), one-leg balance time (sec), timed 5 Times Sit to Stand Test (5STS) (seg), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength (kg), and elbow flexion strength (kg). The means, quartiles and percentiles are described, in the global cohort and in the male and female sub-groups aged between 70 and 79 years or aged 80 years or over. Results: The quartiles of the different instruments were as follow: Barthel (80, 95, 100), Lawton (3, 6,8), SF-LLFDI (70, 111, 131), FAC (4, 5, 5), walking speed (0.51, 0.79, 1.00), TUG (13.8, 11.4, 9.8), one-leg balance time (3, 7, 15), 5STS (16.3, 13.0, 10.7), SPPB (7, 9, 11), grip strength (15, 20, 29), and elbow flexion strength (11, 20, 32). The younger ones, males and those living within the community showed a better performance in all the instruments. Conclusions: The normal values of a cohort of the elderly population based in Albacete using different functional assessment instruments are presented. These could be useful in clinical practice or research(AU)

[Normal data of functional assessment tools of the elderly in Spain: the FRADEA study]. / Valores normativos de instrumentos de valoración funcional en ancianos españoles: estudio FRADEA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the normal values of some of the functional assessment tools most used in Spain. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of the first cut of a concurrent population based cohort. SETTING: Albacete city Health Area. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 993 subjects aged 70 years or over and participants in the FRADEA (Frailty and dependence in Albacete, Spain) cohort. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: An analysis was made of disability and function questionnaires, which included, Barthel, Lawton and Short Form of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (SF-LLFDI), Holden's Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and functional tests: walking speed (m/s), Timed Up and Go (TUG) (sec), one-leg balance time (sec), timed 5 Times Sit to Stand Test (5STS) (seg), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength (kg), and elbow flexion strength (kg). The means, quartiles and percentiles are described, in the global cohort and in the male and female sub-groups aged between 70 and 79 years or aged 80 years or over. RESULTS: The quartiles of the different instruments were as follow: Barthel (80, 95, 100), Lawton (3, 6,8), SF-LLFDI (70, 111, 131), FAC (4, 5, 5), walking speed (0.51, 0.79, 1.00), TUG (13.8, 11.4, 9.8), one-leg balance time (3, 7, 15), 5STS (16.3, 13.0, 10.7), SPPB (7, 9, 11), grip strength (15, 20, 29), and elbow flexion strength (11, 20, 32). The younger ones, males and those living within the community showed a better performance in all the instruments. CONCLUSIONS: The normal values of a cohort of the elderly population based in Albacete using different functional assessment instruments are presented. These could be useful in clinical practice or research.

Fragilidad y dependencia en Albacete (estudio FRADEA): razonamiento, diseño y metodología / Frailty and dependence in Albacete (FRADEA study): reasoning, design and methodology

Objetivo. Obtener una cohorte de sujetos con edad igual o mayor a 70 años, representativa de una población urbana española, para estimar la prevalencia de fragilidad y seguirla en el tiempo para analizar factores asociados. Material y métodos. Estudio de cohortes concurrente de base poblacional. Sobre un universo de 18.137 ancianos, se realizó un muestreo aleatorio estratificado para obtener una muestra representativa de 1.172. Aceptaron participar 993 personas (84,7%). Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, de comorbilidad, funcionales (n=825), cognitivas, afectivas y de calidad de vida. A los sujetos que aceptaron se les determinó la composición corporal por bioimpedanciometría (n=557), el gasto energético basal por calorimetría indirecta (n=450) y se obtuvo muestra de sangre para la determinación de biomarcadores (n=859). La fragilidad se definió por la presencia de 3 o más de los criterios Fried: pérdida de peso no intencionada, baja fuerza, cansancio, lentitud al caminar y baja actividad física. La cohorte será seguida en el tiempo hasta el fallecimiento de los sujetos. Resultados. Edad media±desviación estándar 79,4±6,4 años, con 601 (60,5%) mujeres. Institucionalizados el 21,3%. Fueron frágiles el 16,9%, prefrágiles 48,5%, no frágiles 21,8%, y no se dispuso de 3 criterios para poder determinar su estado en el 12,8%, de los cuales el 9,5% tenía una discapacidad moderada-severa, por lo que la prevalencia de fragilidad podría aumentar hasta el 26,4%. Conclusiones. Se ha construido la cohorte FRADEA, representativa de los mayores de una población urbana de España. La prevalencia de fragilidad en la cohorte fue del 16,9%(AU)

Objective. To obtain a cohort of subjects of equal to or greater than 70 years, representative of a Spanish urban population, to estimate the prevalence of frailty and follow it up over time to analyse associated factors. Material and methods. A prospective, population-based cohort study. From a population of 18,137 elderly persons, a representative sample of 1172 was randomly stratified, of which 993 (84.7%) agreed to take part. The variables collected were; sociodemographic, comorbidity, functional (n=825), cognitive, affective and quality of life. On the patients who agreed, body composition was determined by bioimpedance analysis (n=557), basal metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry (n=450) and a blood sample was obtained for biomarkers (n=859). Frailty was defined by the presence of 3 or more Fried criteria: unintentional weight loss, low energy, exhaustion, slow walking, and low physical activity. The cohort will be followed up over time until the death of the subjects. Results. Mean age 79.4 (SD 6.4) years, with 601 (60.5%) women. A total of 21.3% were institutionalised; 16.9% were frail, 48.5% pre-frail, 21.3% non-frail, and 12.8% did not have the 3 criteria to be able to determine their state, of which 9.5% had moderate-severe incapacity, which would increase the prevalence of frailty to 26.4%. Conclusions. A FRADEA cohort has been constructed, representative of an urban population in Spain. The prevalence of frailty in the cohort was 16.9%(AU)

[Frailty and dependence in Albacete (FRADEA study): reasoning, design and methodology]. / Fragilidad y dependencia en Albacete (estudio FRADEA): razonamiento, diseño y metodología.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a cohort of subjects of equal to or greater than 70 years, representative of a Spanish urban population, to estimate the prevalence of frailty and follow it up over time to analyse associated factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, population-based cohort study. From a population of 18,137 elderly persons, a representative sample of 1172 was randomly stratified, of which 993 (84.7%) agreed to take part. The variables collected were; sociodemographic, comorbidity, functional (n=825), cognitive, affective and quality of life. On the patients who agreed, body composition was determined by bioimpedance analysis (n=557), basal metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry (n=450) and a blood sample was obtained for biomarkers (n=859). Frailty was defined by the presence of 3 or more Fried criteria: unintentional weight loss, low energy, exhaustion, slow walking, and low physical activity. The cohort will be followed up over time until the death of the subjects. RESULTS: Mean age 79.4 (SD 6.4) years, with 601 (60.5%) women. A total of 21.3% were institutionalised; 16.9% were frail, 48.5% pre-frail, 21.3% non-frail, and 12.8% did not have the 3 criteria to be able to determine their state, of which 9.5% had moderate-severe incapacity, which would increase the prevalence of frailty to 26.4%. CONCLUSIONS: A FRADEA cohort has been constructed, representative of an urban population in Spain. The prevalence of frailty in the cohort was 16.9%.

[Primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin lymphoma with myocardial infiltration]. / Linfoma pulmonar primario no Hodgkin con infiltración de miocardio.

A case of primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is presented. On this occasion, the lymphoma invaded the myocardium, an event which has not previously been reported in the literature. These neoplasms spread by proximity, and invasion of the pericardium, thoracic wall and oesophagus have been described. Our patient died from heart failure. Tumour myocardial infiltration may well have been the determinant cause through various mechanisms, including a decrease in myocardial contractility. Spread into the myocardium may be facilitated by bulky tumour infiltrates in the pleural space.